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Medications to Treat Anxiety Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, there are times when a short course of medication is necessary. Medications to treat anxiety include antidepressants and tranquilizers. SSRI antidepressants, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) enhance communication between nerve cells within the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemical serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective. SSRIs SSRIs are the first class of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that is essential for regulating mood. The medications take a while to begin working, but most people feel better within about 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs are non-habit-forming and do not cause addiction, so they can be taken for long durations of time. Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. The SNRIs include citalopram, escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil), and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and an anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders. Doctors aren't sure exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function however, they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals to bind with receptors. SSRIs are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, GAD; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD; panic disorder/agoraphobia; and posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD. They can also be helpful with bulimia, but it is less prevalent. People with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs could be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical medication. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify), and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are often given in conjunction with an antidepressant, and they are less prone for serious side effects compared to other types of antipsychotics. Beta-blockers are also prescribed to treat anxiety, and heart issues. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can ease physical symptoms of anxiety in those with social anxiety disorder. They can also be helpful in reducing anxiety prior to or following surgery and also for certain chronic pain issues. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medicines aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become habit-forming and addictive. Contrary to benzodiazepines, SNRIs aren't a dependence or addiction in the majority of people. However, some patients may feel withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication after a long time of usage. It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication. Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for stress and mood reactions. Specifically, they play a key part in the fight or flight response that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experiences. The SNRIs hinder nerve cells from rapidly soaking up these neurotransmitters, by preventing the process of reuptake. They hold these chemicals in the body for longer and can boost mood, decrease anxiety, and even help with panic attacks. Norepinephrine is also crucial for anxiety because it activates the amygdala, a deep and primal part of the brain that is associated with fear-related behaviors. It has been demonstrated that SNRIs reduce activity in this part of the brain, which may positively impact anxiety and mood and help to ease anxiety attacks. Although these drugs are extremely beneficial however, it is important to remember that they do have the potential of causing increased suicidal thoughts in some individuals. Because of this, they are typically prescribed in higher dosages and for a shorter period of time. They may also interact with other medications and substances. If you are on any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, make sure you discuss this with your doctor and keep them up-to-date on any medical conditions that you may have particularly heart issues and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients experience adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are commonly called are a class of drugs that reduce anxiety and anxiety related symptoms, like insomnia and muscle tension. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders like social anxiety or panic disorder might find them beneficial particularly if they've not been able to respond to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They are also a good temporary solution, for example, while you wait for an antidepressant to start working. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, although other benzos include clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane). They typically begin working within 30 minutes because they're rapid-acting. They don't remain in the body for very long, so they must be regularly taken to reap the maximum benefits. Benzos should not be used for prolonged periods of time as they can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended by those suffering from depression or anxiety disorders as they may increase the risk.
Benzo users who take them for an extended period of time with no medical supervision and often without the direction of a physician, may develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. This condition is uncommon in people who take benzos as prescribed. Rather, misuse of benzos is typically a result of other factors like alcohol abuse or depression. The tolerance to benzodiazepines may develop when they are used for a long time. When you become tolerant, it takes more and more of the medication to produce the same effect. In some instances it can result in respiratory depression, coma, and death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a long time, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage. Other Medicines SSRIs and SNRIs will be the primary drugs prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety. They affect serotonin which affects mood as well as appetite and sleep. They can take as long as 12 weeks to begin working and may have side effects such as insomnia or nausea. SSRIs are also used to treat mental disorders, such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines, do not cause physical dependence. However, they may cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac) Prozac (Zoloft), and Celexa (Citalopram) are all medications in this class. They can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family doctors with specialized expertise in the field of medication management. Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. These drugs block the action of enzymes that break chemical down, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs can take up to three or four weeks to take effect but they're not as fast-acting as SSRIs. Another medication that can help manage anxiety is clonidine, which is used to lower high blood pressure. However, it has limited effectiveness in treating anxiety. Its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. They also can reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in some patients. Anxiety is typically treated by combining psychotherapy, medication and exercise. Engaging with a therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective method to treat anxiety. They can assist you in identifying the root cause of your anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it without medication if required. Other options for treating anxiety that do not involve medication include eye movement desensitization mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Speak to your therapist to determine the most effective options for you. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate your medical history and symptoms and develop an anxiety treatment plan that works for you. When creating the plan, they take into consideration your diagnosis, lifestyle as well as your medical background and personal preferences. They may also make adjustments as time passes. |
